Monday, April 29, 2013

Love Without End

A dog whose owner died a few months ago, still visits the church where her funeral was held every day in the hope she will return. Ciccio, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, attends Mass at the church of Santa Maria Assunta in San Donaci, Puglia, every day.

The grieving hound mourns daily for Maria Lochi, his former owner who was known in the area for her love of animals. As a sign of gratitude, Ciccio goes to church every morning, sitting beneath the altar, near the priest. His hope to see his beloved Maria, the person he accompanied everywhere, even in church, moves the faithful."

The parish priest "does not dare" to chase him away. Father Donato Panna said, ''He's there every time I celebrate Mass and is very well behaved - he
doesn't make a sound, I've not heard one bark from him in all the time
he has been coming in. He used to come to Mass with Maria and he was obviously devoted to
her. I let him stay inside as he was always so well behaved and none of
the other parishoners ever complained to me."

This reminds me of the story about Hachi, the Akita, that waited, everyday for 9 years at the train statio for his best friend to return home from work. He eventually died & there is a statue of him at the train station. Richard Gere was in the movie. If you get a chance to watch it, make sure you have the tissues handy. I have a beagle that I adore & he is nearly 14years old. I freak out every time he acts a little different than normal. He is the best of friends.